In England, of course, the subject line would read "not terribly happy".

I'm often struck by a similar aspect to village life. My nan was born during WW1 and lived to be 99 and, although of course a lot happened in the twentieth century, the major milestone for her village was the day they got a Co-op.

I know, but still... "And what would sir like for dessert: mousse, ice cream... or kippers on toast?" It's basically a Monty Python sketch!

Hang on. Is kipper on toast a pudding?!

My thoughts exactly! Well, same thought, slightly stronger wording...

Might get myself a pair. What colours do they come in?

Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear this.

My current status update

My personal favourite is when it offered to correct "Wittgensteinian" to "Wittgenstein, Ian".

Salt and vinegar given appropriately significant proportions...

Also, I LOVE the bit where he's living as the pig keeper (I think) and his landlady comes in while he's reading and asks him what he's up to, and he says "Trying not to be so bleedin' ignorant, Mrs P". I think about that like (almost) every time I read anything...

The absurdity is what sticks with me. "Book-ends, pumice stone, West Germany"...